But his contributions went beyond those numbers, as it also was evident from the way he helped nurture Pittsburgh's young talent.

The Penguins also needed the second-latest clinching goal in regulation to finish off the Predators, who had played their way to their first Stanley Cup Final after being the last team into the playoffs.

"Right now our backs are against the wall, and this is our opportunity and I think you try to do anything in your power and prepare the best you can for this one", Rinne said. "We're going to be back here again next year".

He wasn't squaring off with the world's most risky offense (ahem, that would be his own team's), and Nashville was without a string of injured forwards throughout the title series.

The Predators know exactly what they need to do better against Pittsburgh. It happens every 12 years or so; the removed bands go into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

Carl Hagelin (Penguins) - Slowed throughout the postseason by injury, Hagelin found another gear and showed his speed in Game 6.

"We made mistakes in front of him", Laviolette said.

The Detroit Red Wings are the most recent team to win consecutive Stanley Cups in 1997 and '98.

For Nashville, the loss brought an end to a magical playoff run for the lowest seed in the Western Conference after they posted upset wins over top-seeded Chicago, division-winning Anaheim and a St. Louis squad that posted 99 points in the regular season. "But certainly moments here, the whole night, I will never forget".

"A good chunk of the team were returning but for the new guys it's pretty special", said Crosby. The Penguins were outscored a combined 9-2 in losing Games 3 and 4 at Nashville before rebounding with a 6-0 win at Pittsburgh on Thursday.